Creating a Lake

[s219]

I wonder if you can just nail them up wet/hot and have the nails hold them into the right shape until they dry? That's how bentwood furniture is made.

 

[sld]

I wonder if you can just nail them up wet/hot and have the nails hold them into the right shape until they dry? That's how bentwood furniture is made.

Or just one row at a time with a big band around it. A ratchet strap would persuade a wet shake shingle I would think.

 

[EddieWalker]

We're thinking alike. I tried nailing them into place, but the shingles pulled the nails out. I tried screws, but the shingles either split, or the wood went past the screw head. Most split. I tried to nail them and use a strap like Brandi suggested, but I wasn't able to keep them in place and get the strap on them. It wasn't pretty. LOL

Now I've been working on forms. The first two tries relied on weight to bend them into a form. You wouldn't believe how much weigh those shingles can hold and not bend!!!!

My current plan is use leverage and a form that will hold the thick end in place and bend the shingle over my form. I plan to build it some time this week, so wish me luck

Eddie

 

[ustmd]

Eddie,

Last issue or maybe issue before, Fine Woodworking had an article on wood bending. Of course they were bending for furniture making, but it might have some useful tips.

 

[s219]

It's amazing how powerful wood grain can be when it's not cooperating. Well, keep at it! You're certainly not afraid of a challenge!

 

[sld]

With a band saw and a big enough hunk of cedar you could cut your own curved shingles.

Probably only need 3-4 templates or shapes to cover that onion.

 

[i579rbd]

Hi Eddie,
Would making relief cuts on the underside help?

 

[bindian]

Eddie,
I don't remember mentioning nails with a strap. I mentioned the ratchet strap to hold them to a form when steaming them. I don't think they will hold and stay in place without steaming them.
hugs, Brandi

We're thinking alike. I tried nailing them into place, but the shingles pulled the nails out. I tried screws, but the shingles either split, or the wood went past the screw head. Most split. I tried to nail them and use a strap like Brandi suggested, but I wasn't able to keep them in place and get the strap on them. It wasn't pretty. LOL

Now I've been working on forms. The first two tries relied on weight to bend them into a form. You wouldn't believe how much weigh those shingles can hold and not bend!!!!

My current plan is use leverage and a form that will hold the thick end in place and bend the shingle over my form. I plan to build it some time this week, so wish me luck

Eddie

 

[EddieWalker]

Brandi,

Your right, I took the ratchet idea of yours and tried to modify it into an all in one process. Attach the shingle and bend it into place, then leave it there to dry kind of shortcut.

Watching videos on youtube of bending cedar shingles, it looks like they all use a press to get them to take shape. I've been overwhelmed with work and other things that need to be done that I haven't put any time into building the press other then thinking about it while I'm driving. I've been outside working on the gazebo and zip line until dark every night.

Wedding is now less then a month from now and I'm beginning to panic. LOL

Eddie

 

[bindian]

Brandi,

Your right, I took the ratchet idea of yours and tried to modify it into an all in one process. Attach the shingle and bend it into place, then leave it there to dry kind of shortcut.

Watching videos on youtube of bending cedar shingles, it looks like they all use a press to get them to take shape. I've been overwhelmed with work and other things that need to be done that I haven't put any time into building the press other then thinking about it while I'm driving. I've been outside working on the gazebo and zip line until dark every night.

Wedding is now less then a month from now and I'm beginning to panic. LOL

Eddie

If in panic mode, may I suggest temporary wood-like asphalt shingles. Mom and Dad had a house built and used them. A builder living down the street wanted to build the house for them, but he only used wood shingles. Dad didn't want them for the fire hazard. After the house was built, the builder dropped by and stated he thought Dad would have wood shingles. He was surprised to learn the were asphalt shingles.
hugs, Brandi